Mag-log in“Reyn,” I called softly, walking to him. “Is it really you?” I asked.“Were you expecting someone else, Zale?” he called, his eyes darkening and a red patch storming right on the tip of his ears.“Yeah, maybe,” I mumbled, turning away and walking into the hut. His footsteps padded softly behind me and stopped when I sat on the bed.“You changed,” he said, sitting beside me on the bed, and I shifted a little, giving him space.“What do you mean I changed? I am literally still me, except you are seeing me differently.” I wriggled my brows, a grin spread wide on my face.He shifted back, coughing slightly, his hand going to hold his throat.“Get your ugly face out of my front,” he said dryly, and I immediately shifted back, squeezing my face, and I scoffed.“What kind of change are you talking about, Mr.?” I said, my voice calm and all traces of jokes or a mocking tone gone.His lips twitched, almost not noticeable, but I caught it before it disappeared behind that mask of indifference.
I gasped, hands flying to cover my eyes. Elara's eyes widened as she stood frozen in shock."Brother Nerien," she whispered, and I peeped through my fingers to see the wooden spear embedded in Nerien's side chest. He stood staring at me and Elara for some seconds before turning away, then he slowly pulled out the spear.I watched from behind, carefully swallowing air down my throat before turning to Elara.She fell to her knees, tears rushing down her eyes."I am sorry, I didn't... I didn't know. Sis, please help me talk to brother Merien," she sobbed, burying her face in her hands, shoulders shaking.I stared at her, then back to Nerien, and back. My eyes slowly went shut, and I rubbed the folded skin of my forehead.Then, gathering a little courage, I took a step forward closer to Nerien, then another till I was standing in front of him.I bit my lip, looking at the hole on his chest where the spear had been.My hand reached forward, wanting to touch his wound, but he caught my fing
Mission: Go hunting with Nerien tonight.My throat went dry, chest tightening. I didn't want to eat again, probably just lost my appetite from hearing the name,System, are you malfunctioning again?Perfectly fine Host. Just try not to negotiate your mission.But...You have a guest... the system chimed calmly before going silent again.My eyes finally landed on the woman standing closely beside Calissi."Sister Selenaa…What is this? It looks weird," Calissi muttered, sitting beside Elara."Sister made it. Here, have a taste," Elara stretched a piece of meat towards Calissi and the little girl stuffed it in her mouth completely unaware of the tension between I and her mom."Thank you," the woman muttered and lifted my head."Thank you for taking care of Calissi," she said, looking down. "I misunderstood you all the time, but you are actually a nice person. Calissi can stay by your side at all times, please help me watch over her." She muttered her hands trembling, she kept looking
I bit my lip, withdrawing a little, awkwardly tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. Zale cleared his throat, the sound loud and jarring, and my cheeks turned all red. [DING] Side mission complete, host. "Where's my reward?" I didn't mention a reward, host. There was only a penalty. I rolled my eyes, blood boiling hot. This system was getting on my nerves. The remaining distance back to the Goldmane tribe was quiet. I stepped down from the carriage, my robe flowing behind me. "She's back," the whispers from the villagers began. Several people stopped, while some just cast side glances and kept doing their work. A woman burst through the crowd, falling on my legs, sobbing. "Serena, please give me back my daughter. I will be your slave, anything, but please just return my daughter," her shoulders kept trembling with each high-pitched sob, her voice sounding broken. --- "Mama!" Calissi called, jumping down from the carriage and running to her mother. The woman's bod
HIDDEN ROUTE UNLOCK PLOT DEVIATION DETECTED SYSTEM CHANGES ACTIVATED My vision had turned blurry from the pain, but I struggled hard to keep my consciousness. My body left the moist soil with a gentle lift. Zale ran through the forest with me in his arms like I weighed nothing. He kept increasing his pace till the dark environment faded away, bringing us to light. My eyes immediately snapped shut as moonlight poured in, in dense rays. Warm hands touched my waist and shoulder, keeping me balanced as I was moved from Zale's hands to the second person's hands. I could hear shuffling of feet, each moving in hurried paces. My cold, pale body landed on a feathered bed, soft and warm. I instantly wanted to coil, but a piercing pain shot from my thigh to my arm and up, reminding me of my current wounded state. --- The maids kept moving in and out of the room, each carrying a bowl containing different tools. My wound was cleaned and wrapped with pieces containing medicinal herbs.
Risk of Death: HighI tried standing up, but my bones felt too heavy to lift. Deep down, I didn't want to go.Penalty: Unknown.Yet again, if I didn't go, I'd still die. If I go, I might die.Going was the best option, but I still hesitated.Finally, I stood up, gently tucking Calissi in, planting a kiss on her forehead before leaving.The cool night air brushed against my skin, the tiny hairs on my skin all standing alert.The paths were empty, like no one had been here.Only the steady breathing of the mares and the gentle blowing of the wind could be heard.I took a step forward, then another.Following the only path I recognized, I reached the centre of the hut.The wind kept blowing in abnormally different directions.I tiptoed to the open entrance of the hut that was only shielded by cottons,walking carefully, not to misstep and make a sound."Serena."Someone called from behind me.I froze. I could hear my heart beating loudly, and the strain on my chest grew heavier.The wind






